Samantha Jessalyn is a rising artist who turns emotion into music that feels honest, vulnerable, and deeply human. With “Predator” releasing June 5, she opens up about one of the most personal songs she has ever written.

What came from a painful chapter became a way to process, heal, and finally say what once felt impossible to put into words.

For Samantha, music has always been the thread that kept her together. Her story reminds us that starting over is not always about leaving everything behind. Sometimes, it is about finding the strength to return to yourself, speak your truth, and stop shrinking parts of who you are just to survive.

The Fresh Start Interview: Samantha Jessalyn

Q: In what ways has music helped you process, heal, or reclaim your voice?

Samantha: “Growing up, I didn’t always feel heard and was often put in situations in which I felt like I had to stay quiet or water down things I had experienced. Music has always been the thread that has kept me sewn together through every phase of my life. It is incredibly healing and empowering to become anew through listening to and creating my own music. Whether it is my best day or my absolute worst, music has always been there to soundtrack it all.”

Q: Our first Mindflo pin is "The Art of Starting Over." What does starting over mean to you?

Samantha: “ I love this question. There have been several times in my life when I’ve felt I needed to start over. As I’ve grown up, I’ve realized that, to me, starting over means reclaiming my voice and allowing myself not only to take up space but also to feel comfortable in my skin, in whatever ways I may need to. Self-care is listening to your mind and body, and not allowing anyone to walk all over you. Starting over means waking up and choosing the best for yourself every day, even when it is hard.”

Samantha: “I’ve been releasing music for five years now, and “Predator” is one of those songs that has changed my brain chemistry and way of writing. Back in October (2025), I had gone through a traumatic experience involving sexual assault. This was not the first time I had experienced something of that nature, and it brought up old feelings/experiences. Writing “Predator” was a way for me to revisit those feelings in a cathartic way and work through them healthily, while allowing myself to feel the pain that I needed to along the way.”

Q: What inspired you to create "Predator," and what does the song mean to you personally?

Samantha:  “Talking about sensitive topics such as sexual assault or abusive relationships is never easy. Songwriting is an extension of who I am, and being able to put my thoughts and feelings into the song allowed me to tell the full truth of some of the things I have experienced. I didn’t feel like I was sugarcoating my emotions or watering down my experience. Being able to tell stories through songwriting just allows me to get it all out there in the best way.”

Q: What has helped you choose yourself again or feel connected to yourself again?

Samantha: “Learning that it is okay to accept help from others. Accepting help doesn’t diminish your strength; it simply helps you become stronger and allows you to focus on picking yourself back up.”

Samantha:  I feel like when you hear “Predator”, you can sense that it is a heavy song with a lot of brutal emotions to unpack. Despite that, I want listeners to take away that even though you may experience rough times, they don’t define you. Writing “Predator” allowed me to use my voice to express the hard things I’ve gone through and to feel less alone. I always hope my music helps others feel less alone and realize that the storm will eventually pass!

Q: What do you hope listeners feel, understand, or take away when they hear "Predator"?

Thank you, Samantha, for sharing your story and reminding us that even the hardest chapters do not get to write the ending for us.

“Predator” is set to release on June 5.